2016 NHL Draft: Prospect Preview
By Ryan Ritchie
Perhaps it’s a little early to start looking at next summer’s crop of prospects for the 2016 draft. But as die hard hockey fans, it’s never too early to take a sneak peak at what the future looks like. Although the 2016 Draft Class isn’t as flashy as the year before, it does highlight some interesting players. If you’re looking for more information on prospects, try TSN, Elite Prospects, or Hockey’s Future.
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Like many classes in past years, this one will also feature a handful of prospects with NHL bloodlines that root back to the 1980s and 1990s. This class is also loaded at the top end with American born players. The top pick should stay the same throughout the year, but we could see a ton of movement beyond that. Let’s take a look at some of this year’s most intriguing prospects.
Auston Matthews F – Born: USA
It’s not unusual for North American players to find jobs somewhere in Europe, but what is unusual is when the unanimous #1 pick decides to take his talents oversees in his draft year. Some experts have questioned whether it was a smart decision, but early rumours suggest that Matthews’s offensive talents have been on display since day 1 in Zurich. Experts also say that had he been born three days earlier, that he would have competed with Jack Eichel for the second pick.
You have to assume that the New Jersey Devils would be the favorite to land Matthews. Other teams that could be in the mix for the top lottery pick is Toronto, Arizona, Buffalo, or maybe even Boston. Don’t expect to see much movement at the very top of this draft class. It would take a lot to knock Auston Matthews off that perch.
Jakob Chychrun D – Born: USA (dual Canadian citizenship)
Sons of former NHLers are always an intriguing bunch, and we seem to get a pile of new ones every year. Jakob’s father Jeff Chychrun. His father Jeff was taken in the second round back in 1984 and over 262 games, he accumulated 742 PIM. Jakob possesses more scoring upside than his father, after producing 33 points in 44 games with Sarnia of the OHL in 14-15.
John Matisz of the Ottawa Sun is quoted saying the following, “Many around the league believe the 6-foot-2, 194-pound left-shooting blueliner is actually further along in his development than Ekblad was as a first-year OHLer”. At 6’2 192lbs, Chychrun already has an NHL sized body that could help him make the immediate jump to the NHL. I could see the Coyotes targeting a guy like this to play alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Matthew Tkachuk F – Born: USA
Another son of a former NHLer with Matthew’s dad being Keith Tkachuk. Scouts have raved about this kid, but have noted that he may not have the offensive upside his father had. Projected to go in the top 5 early on, it’ll be interesting to see where he moved throughout the year. Did I mention he’s cousins with both Jimmy and Kevin Hayes, as well as Tom Fitzgerald.
Last season with the US National Development Program, Tkachuk accumulated 33 points in 24 games. He also scored 96 points in 65 games with the US National U18 team. Experts are definitely split when it comes to projected his offensive upside, especially in comparison to his father. But there’s one thing scouts unanimously agree on, and that’s that Matthew is a chip off the old block. He plays with that nasty grittiness that made Keith such a tough player to play against. If you wanted to maybe draw a comparison to current NHLers, look to Corey Perry or maybe David Backes.
Tyler Benson F – Born: Canada
Craig Button of TSN: “He’s a very smart player who is capable of seeing opportunity and taking advantage. A rarity in that he can score goals off the wing or make plays off the wing. Gets involved physically and is a determined competitor who uses well in multiple areas.”
In his first full season of WHL hockey in 14-15 with the Vancouver Giants, Benson produced 45 points in 62 games. Bob Mackenzie of TSN held a rankings show Thursday evening, in which he had a lot of positive things to say about Tyler Benson. He’s a guy that with a solid season out west could jump up the rankings throughout the year. Keep an eye on this young man.
Alexander Nylander F – Born: Sweden
Another son of a former NHLer, Alex is the younger brother of William and son of Michael. Bob Mackenzie of TSN said that while Alex draws a lot of similarities to his older brother, the difference is that Alexander has more of a scoring touch than a playmaker mentality. In 15-16, Nylander has committed to play North American hockey joining the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, and his brother and father in the Toronto area.
Going into the season, it’s a little murky as to where Alexander will drafted. Someone consider him a top 10 talent, while others have him going late in the first round. If I were the Toronto Maple Leafs, I’d be licking my chops at the idea of uniting these two brothers to play. No they won’t have the flash of Swedish twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin, but some instantaneous chemistry would be nice. Will be interesting to see how he does in his first year of North American style play.
Logan Brown F – Born: Canada
Another son of a former NHLer, this time its d-man Jeff Brown’s son. Logan actually plays center for the Windsor Spitfires. At 6’6 223lbs already, you can expect Brown to be a very sought after commodity at the 2016 draft. You just don’t find skilled centers with that type of size. A good season in the OHL could see him skyrocket up the charts.
Logan isn’t a flashy player with creative offensive upsides. He’s more of a high IQ smart player, who plays with a bit of grit and has impressive abilities to drive the net. Scouts commend his skating ability, and reach. Eliteprospects say “Brown’s most lethal offensive weapon remains pro-level snap shot”. Perhaps a guy who’s a little rough around the edges, and could use some type at the AHL level before making the jump to the NHL.
Kieffer Bellows F – Born: USA (dual Canadian citizenship)
Yet another son of a former NHLer, this one a little more well known in Brian Bellows. Kieffer spent the 14-15 season with Sioux City of the USHL where he accumulated 52 in 58 games making him one of the league’s top scorers. After he spends time with US National team this season, Bellows looks committed to playing at Boston University in 2016-17.
Bellows former coach Cary Eades has drawn comparisons of Keiffer to Jonathan Toews and Drew Stafford. That statement is a little confusing considering how far apart those two players are. Regardless, Kieffer is already 6’1 192lbs so he has a good frame for NHL play. I expect he plays at year or two at Boston U before making the jump to the NHL. He’s being pegged as a mid-first round pick right now, but that could change as the year goes on.
Next: NHL Preseason News Update
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